IN VITRO OVICIDAL ACTIVITY OF COMBINATION Illicium verum EXTRACT AND COCONUT OIL AGAINST Pediculus humanus capitis

Abstract

Permethrin is still the main therapy for human head infestation Pediculosis capitis in several countries, including Indonesia. However, permethrin is not effective for the egg stage. Therefore, alternative therapy from herbs is needed for the treatment of head lice which is effective for both egg and adult stage. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Illicium verum extract and coconut oil formula against eggs of head lice. An in vitro immersion test was applied with four treatment groups (Illicium verum extract and coconut oil formula with four different compositions) as well as a negative control group (distilled water) and a positive control group (permethrin 1%) against eggs of head lice. The eggs of head lice were immersed for 0.5, 1, or 2 min in 1 ml of each solution. Mortality rates of the eggs were recorded after 5 days of incubation. The formula of Illicium verum extract and palm oil with composition 60:40 had the best efficacy with a mortality rate of head lice eggs reached 86,67%, after immersion for 2 minutes. The combination of Illicium verum extract and coconut oil could be an alternative ovicide, but this formula requires precise composition which can be applied for Pediculus humanus capitis.